Projecting Philadelphia Eagles Win Total

By Ryan Wenzell

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It is a new era for the Philadelphia Eagles under Chip Kelly. The offense promises to move the ball up and down the field, and so far that has played out on the field in the preseason. The Eagles’ offense ranks near the top in pretty much every statistical category except points scored, where they are 10th, due mainly to the fact they have turned it over one too many times in the red zone.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this offense will move the football down the field, rack up yards, and score points as long as turnovers are limited. The real question is on the other side of the football.

The defense is transitioning to a 3-4. So far. the Eagles’ defense has had their good and bad moments, their ups and downs, but there are far too many downs. The defense seems to give up a big run in every game, and the secondary remains a major concern. One surprise has been the defensive line, which has been disruptive and looks like the strength of the defense. The safety position remains unsettled, however, as Earl Wolff and Nate Allen are fighting for the starting job opposite Patrick Chung, who has been impressive in the preseason.

The Eagles will take their lumps this season, in what is a new regime. The defense is being asked to play a whole new scheme, and the offense has been totally re-invigorated with an up tempo, read-option style of play.

This will be a fun team to watch in Kelly’s first season. He is building a program here much like Andy Reid did in his rookie season as head coach. Kelly will need to further replenish his 3-4 defense with the type of players he wants in his scheme. This will take future free agency and draft periods to complete.

I see this as a seven or eight win team this season, with the defense still very much in limbo. However, once Kelly gets the right pieces on defense, this could be a perennial playoff powerhouse.